A consultation exercise over the major redevelopment of Mereoak Roundabout south of Reading has been branded a "cop-out" by Liberal Democrats in Wokingham.

They claim Conservative-controlled Wokingham District Council failed to send out leaflets to householders or to hold enough public exhibitions in the area.

Tory transport chief Gary Cowan said he has extended the consultation and has not ruled out further public consultation if people feel they have not been able to have their say.

The proposed improvements to the roundabout on the A33 are part of the wider plans for the upgrade of junction 11 of the M4. Public exhibitions were held at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, in Lower Earley, and Spencers Wood Pavilion in June - but the display of proposals then moved to the council offices in Shute End, Wokingham.

Earley Lib Dem councillor David Swindells said that householders had complained to him about the consultation.

He said: "This is a cop-out of responsibility by the new administration.

"To expect people to travel to Shute End to see these proposals is unfair.

"The council could easily have used local libraries, schools, leisure centres and other local venues to show the proposals for the Mereoak roundabout.

"This is not a good start for the administration.

"I hope that in future they will take public consultation a lot more seriously."

The main aspects of the development of Mereoak roundabout include landscaping and environmental improvements,boosting safety and tackling congestion.

Cllr Cowan said he had been made aware of people from West Berkshire district who had not had public exhibitions locally and so had extended the time the display was at Wokingham council offices until Friday.

He said: "It's very, very early days and based on the consultation the designs will be amended to try and address complaints.

"I would certainly promote further consultation at a later stage. If it's very clear that the consultation has let anyone down in Wokingham district, I would press for it to be extended."